I am Torridge born and bred and am the fifth generation of the boatbuilding firm J. Hinks and Son. In 1854 my great great grandfather designed a lifeboat which was used for the first lifeboat by the newly formed RNLI. My father, Alan Hinks, built the replicas of the Nonsuch for the Hudson Bay Company and Drake’s Golden Hinde.
Apart from working in the administration of my father’s yard, I worked for 22 years in sales and marketing for a local company. I have also been a member of the North Devon Manufacturing Association, North Devon Economic Partnership, North Devon Enterprise Agency and Appledore Book Festival. I am still involved with the North Devon Maritime Museum and the Appledore Visual Arts Festival.
In 2007 I was very pleased to become the Devon County Council member for Bideford South and Hartland, which includes Clovelly, Bucks Cross, Woolsery and Lundy.
If I were to represent Clovelly Bay at District level, that would effectively integrate the chain of action between District and County. Through County, I have been able to support Woolsery Sports and Community Hall, Clovelly Youth Group and Woolsery Show.
Clovelly Bay is a predominantly rural area which revolves around a strong farming community and active villages. It is an area that can provide a good quality of life but that quality must always be vigorously safeguarded. Affordable housing is a priority to enable our young people to stay in the area.
It is important that Conservative strength should be maintained in Torridge because under their good housekeeping TDC was Highly Commended in a national awards competition, coming second only to NE Derbyshire.
During my two years on County I have really listened to what local communities need. In particular I was able to fight to save Hartland Lighthouse from closure, working with local fishermen, pilots, harbourmasters and engaging the support of Devon County Council, which had not been properly consulted.
I love the area in which I grew up and, as a freelance journalist, have written several series for Devon Life and North Devon Journal, individual articles for national magazines such as Tall Ships and Wooden Boats, and have also written about Torridge and North Devon for a Time Out book on the area.
I very much hope that I can count on your support on May 5th.